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Tiny Home Inspections in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Tiny homes are the newest housing phenomenon across Ontario. They support a minimalistic lifestyle, are affordable, and eco friendly. Whether they’re used as primary residences, secondary seasonal getaways, or even as garden suites, tiny homes are changing how people live and enjoy space, as all that’s needed for work and play is on a smaller scale. However, like any other home on the MLS, tiny homes need an assessment to ensure safety, functionality, and legal compliance. This article details the results of a study of tiny home inspection across Ontario, from building codes to features and systems that can be addressed.

Why Ontarians Want Tiny Homes

Affordable: Housing affordability went through the roof for many; a tiny home is all but a small mortgage payment and a smaller square footage footprint.

Sustainable: It requires fewer material resources to make and live in a tiny home, so those with an eco friendly lifestyle appreciate the gesture.

Mobile: Tiny homes are mobile and can be situated nearly anywhere; some people have them as rural chalets, others seek them as garden suites, yet others want them for urban infill.

Minimalism: The whole idea behind reduced square footage is that with fewer distractions and clutter, your life will be better.

Yet tiny homes have their difficulties, particularly with inspections and the Ontario Building Code and standards.

Key Tiny Home Inspection Considerations

Building Code and Zoning Considerations
The Ontario Building Code applies to tiny homes for safety, occupancy, and structural integrity. Zoning bylaws are set by the municipality, so find out if tiny homes are allowed in your area, and if they’re allowed as principal or accessory dwellings. Otherwise, tiny homes on wheels fall under RV or park model trailer regulations.

Heating and Insulation
Tiny homes require heating and insulation properties because they will be lived in year round, and there’s little square footage to escape freezing temperatures or burning hot environments. Thus, look for inspections related to R value for insulation quality, in addition to verifiable energy efficient heating solutions, like mini split systems or baseboard heaters.

Ventilation and Air Quality
Likewise, ventilation and air quality are necessary in these small spaces to avoid too much mold and bad air quality. Thus, inspections exist for exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as proper HVAC systems, especially those units with wood stoves.

Proper Insulation
Proper insulation is required to keep tiny homes from freezing in the winter or overheating in the summer as Ontario experiences both cold and hot seasons.

Proper Heating
Assessment of the tiny home’s heating source, whether it be a mini split heat pump, propane heater, or woodstove, for safety and functionality.

Ventilation and Air Quality
Ventilation and air quality are important because of the possibility of cramped quarters. Cramped quarters can cause homes to produce excess moisture, which results in mold and unhealthy air quality. Therefore, assessors will check to see if proper ventilation exists for good public health, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. In addition, assessors will assess whether ventilation is up to code.

Fire Safety
Tiny homes require working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Safety While Being Transported
Portable tiny homes have safety requirements while being moved from place to place. Assessors will check for:

Heating and Wiring
These features need to be assessed because they may move when being transported.

Qualifications of Home Inspector

An inspector should be aware of the general home inspection protocol and the specific details associated with small home builds. A qualified home inspector will:

  • Assess the framing, sheathing, internal walls, ceilings, and outer envelope.
  • Assess the insulation value, exhaust fans, and regional fire code.
  • Assess and advise.

The Takeaway

Ontario’s Tiny Homes are a great solution for mobile living and a creative option; yet they’re complicated by many concerns. A tiny home inspection is done when constructing, buying, or even living in these homes to ensure safety and compliance.

Want to start constructing your tiny house in Ontario? Reach out to Building Insights. Our expert home inspection team can walk you through the unique nuances of tiny living to ensure your tiny home is built properly.

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